Tenggara Backgrounder is a weekly briefing service combining insights and analysis by experts from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, as well as background information from The Jakarta Post journalists. Tenggara Backgrounder provides you exclusive insights into what’s happening behind the scenes along with insider scoops that are not published in the media.
Megawati, from wannabe queen to most powerful kingmaker
Tenggara Backgrounder August 16, 2019
Megawati Soekarnoputri, the president of Indonesia from 2001 to 2004, is the country’s most powerful kingmaker today. Her appearance at the congress of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) from Aug. 8 to 10 in Bali displayed how much political power she possesses.
Massive Java blackout turning into political fiasco
Tenggara Backgrounder August 9, 2019
The massive blackout that paralyzed Jakarta and other cities and towns in the western half of Java on Sunday until Monday (August 5-6) is turning into more than just an economic fiasco. The failure of state-owned power company PLN in providing a satisfactory answer only fueled more speculation and it raised serious questions not only about energy security, but also about national security.
PT Pos struggles with cash flow and employee benefits
Tenggara Backgrounder August 2, 2019
Postal services all over the world, including Pos Indonesia, reportedly suffered under technological disruption due to the rise of e-commerce. In the case of Pos Indonesia, cashflow issue and the management’s attempt to cut back employee benefits might be the main culprits.
Megawati-Prabowo, Paloh-Anies: Foes turn friends
Tenggara Backgrounder July 26, 2019
In a sudden turn of events, foes recently turned into friends this week. The meeting between Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) matriarch Megawati Soekarnoputri and Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday ended the distant relationship between the two, at least for now.
Rini Soemarno rumored to get ousted from Cabinet
Tenggara Backgrounder July 19
Rumors are swirling again that State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno will be ousted from the Cabinet. There has been a struggle among several political parties to take over the lucrative ministerial position. What will be the fate of Rini’s plan to create a super holding company for state-owned enterprises?
How much power will VP-elect Ma’ruf have?
Tenggara Backgrounder July 12
The presidential inauguration is not due until October, but Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Islamic mass organization, is among the groups that are pressing for their rewards. They may have a natural ally in vice president-elect Ma’ruf Amin, a politician-turned-cleric who grew up in the NU tradition.